Safeguarding refers to the process of protecting children (and adults at risk) to provide safe and effective care. This includes all procedures designed to prevent harm to a child or adult at risk.

Having the right safeguards in place will help you respond appropriately and keep sport safe and fun.

The toolkit is designed to provide both an understanding of the importance of key safeguarding considerations and practical resources that organisations can promote or adapt.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2018; PDF) states that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Working Together outlines the duties of all organisations that work with children.

To address bullying behaviour successfully, a 'whole club' approach that includes coaches, volunteers, officials, young people and parents is needed.

Sports clubs and organisations should create a culture that makes it clear to children and young people that bullying behaviour will not be tolerated, and that if someone is experiencing bullying they should tell an adult immediately. Let children know that if they report bullying they will be taken seriously and it will be acted upon.

For more information take at look at the CPSU anti-bullying resources.

It's important to have a clear set of guidelines to make sure your organisation deals with safeguarding concerns effectively.

The information and templates include all the areas that should be included in a safeguarding policy – and the procedures to implement it – to create a safe environment for children and young people taking part in sport.

Have you completed a self assessment of safeguarding within the organisation?

• This will help to identify areas to focus and build upon
• If you're new to the safeguarding process, see the CPSU self-assessment tool
• Alternatively, if your organisation has achieved the CPSU Safeguarding Standards, then to maintain and embed these standards, see the CPSU Safeguarding Framework

Information can be found here.

An essential safety checklist for sports organisations from the Child Protection in Sport Unit. It covers travel within the UK as well as overseas, international travel.